Everest Base Camp is the closest and highest place where ordinary travelers can admire the lofty Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, up close. So, how high is Everest Base Camp? Am I fit enough to go there and how to plan and get fully prepared for the EBC tour?

In this travel article, we will walk you through the Everest Base Camp elevation and offer you a complete guide to adapting yourself for the EBC adventure in both Tibet and Nepal.

How High Is Everest Base Camp: Tibet EBC (5,200 meters/17,060 feet), Nepal EBC (5,364 meters/17,598 feet)

As the mighty Mountain Everest straddles between China and Nepal, there are two Everest Base Camps situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal respectively.

Tibet Everest Base Camp (or Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp in Tibetan) is 5,200 meters above sea level or 17,060 feet. Nepal Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters above sea level or 17,598 feet.

Two Everest Base Camps across the Great Himalayas in Asia.

In the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Everest Base Camp (5,200m) was built for the expedition team to summit Mt. Everest. To preserve the natural environment in the Everest region, ordinary travelers can only visit a tourist Everest Base Camp (5,010m), a few hundred meters away, yet you can still take photos with the majestic Mt. Everest and the Everest Base Camp’s 5,200m marker.

Travelers take photos with EBC marker at Tibet EBC with amazing Mt. Everest in the backdrop.

To reach the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, travelers of all ages can enjoy the tour vehicle on the perfectly paved road from Lhasa to EBC in Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, Shigatse Prefecture.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

While, on Nepal’s side, to get to the Nepal EBC, located in Sagarmatha National Park, you can either follow the classic trekking route from Lukla to EBC in around 10 days or enjoy the half day helicopter ride to EBC for an aerial view of the south face of Mt. Everest and briefly explore Nepal Everest Base Camp before descending to lower ground to avoid acute mountain sickness.

As to the view of Mt. Everest at the EBC, Tibet EBC promises you a jaw-dropping unobstructed view of the north face of Mt. Everest whereas the view of Mt. Everest from Nepal EBC is less impressive since the south face of Mt. Everest looks dwarfed by surrounding peaks.

Tibet EBC Everest view vs Nepa EBC Everest view.

Travel Routes to Everest Base Camp: Altitude Gains from Tibet and Nepal

On Tibet’s side, to travel from Lhasa to EBC, the most classic overland route takes you past Gyantse County, Shigatse City, the second largest Tibet city, and Tingri County via the scenic G318 Hwy.

The overland road map from Lhasa to EBC.

While, in Nepal, you are expected to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, the start point of the EBC trek, then slowly trek upwards across Phakding, Namche Bazaar (famous Sherpa village), Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep.

The trekking route from Lukla to EBC in Nepal.

Below is the altitude gain to EBC from Lhasa and Kathmandu in both Tibet and Nepal.

BTW, if you are interested in trekking in Tibet, browse through the top 11 treks in Tibet, including the classing Tringri to EBC trek. Or follow the link for more treks in Nepal.

12 Days Trekking Tibet Everest Base Camp: from Tingri to EBC via Ra-chu Valley

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Old Tingri - Trekking to EBC - Sakya - Lhasa

Price from USD1443 p.p

How to Plan Acclimatization Days to Adapt Yourself to Everest Base Camp Elevation

Well, though Everest Base Camp elevation (above 5,000m) sounds like a big challenge to travelers, with careful planning of your acclimatization days in your EBC itinerary, most travelers can make it to EBC and safely travel back.

If you plan to visit Tibet EBC (5,010m) as an ordinary tourist, then the acclimatization stops should be made at Lhasa (3,656m) and Shigatse (3,840m), esp. if you fly to Lhasa from Chengdu basin or coastal city like Shanghai, etc.

Spending two to three days in Lhasa and exploring the iconic monasteries like Potala Palace, Jokhange Temple, Sera Monasteries, etc. will give your body enough time to get acclimatized to the high altitude on the Tibetan Plateau, esp. if you fly into Lhasa.

As you head west towards EBC from Lhasa, make sure you spend at least one night at Shigatse (3,840m), the gateway city to Mt. Everest, allowing the body to gradually adjust to a higher altitude and get ready for a higher ascent to EBC (5,010m) the next day via Tingri (4,300m).

10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from USD1299 p.p

While in Nepal, since you are expected to trek to EBC, which is more physically demanding than Tibet’s side and with higher altitude, so, usually you need to set aside a 2-night stay at both Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) to acclimatize to higher altitude.

17 Days Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek Tour

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche- Dingboche- Lobuche-Gorakshep- Everest base camp-Kathmandu

Price from USD p.p

Additionally, the rule of thumb for visiting EBC, either in Tibet or Nepal, is to follow a gradual ascent (no more than 300-500m per day), stay hydrated, and the practice of “travel high, and sleep low” also works.

The worst mistake you don’t want to make is competing with others to trek to EBC in Nepal. It’s very likely to put you down for acute mountain sickness. Besides, you can also consult a doctor to prescribe altitude sickness medicine before you head the road.

Accommodation Options to Minimize Altitude Sickness for Everest Base Camp Height

In addition to strategically planning your rest days, how you choose your accommodation at EBC is also important and will determine whether or not you can have a sound sleep at a high elevation.

At Tibet EBC, you have two main options for accommodation:
● Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse (5,100m): The newly-renovated hotel has air conditioning, heated blankets, tap water a Western-style toilet, an oxygen supply, clean bed sheets and blankets, etc. If you have more budget, you can stay in rooms with a fantastic window view of Mt. Everest from your bed.

View Mt. Everest from the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse.

● Yak Tent Hotel (5,000m): A large yak tent can accommodate up to 10 travelers, who either sleep in an individual single bed in twin rooms or rest with others on a large dorm bed. The yak tent is spacious and clean with an oxygen canister provided. However, no bathroom and tap water are available, given the cheaper price.

The twin room of the Yak tent hotel at Tibet EBC.

● Tashi Dzom Village (4,200m): If you want to sleep at a lower altitude or travel with your family with the elderly and kids, another great alternative is to overnight at hotels at Tashi Dzom village, which is 1000m lower than Everest Base Camp with many better hotel options with oxygen supply and better amenities. It’s only a 10-minute drive from EBC. Learn more about places to stay in Tibet.

For the Nepal EBC trek, there are famous budget-friendly teahouses for you to have dinner, rest, and socialize. You can get a clean bed, heated blankets, and mattresses. You can even book ahead for mid-range and luxury hotels along the trekking routes, with hot showers, spacious rooms with great Everest views, Wi-fi, and diverse food options.

As you trek higher and get closer to Everest Base Camp, the accommodation gets more basic, given the high altitude.

Our suggestion for the Nepal EBC trek is to stay at hotels in Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Tengoche (3,860m), Dingboche (4,410m), Lobuche (4,940m), and Gorak Shep (5,164m), with more options (teahouse, lodges, homestays, and luxury hotels) and there are many price tags for different trekkers and lower altitude can help you avoid mountain sickness.

The luxury Yeti Mountain Hotel at Namche Bazaar.

Besides, it’s better to choose a room with great ventilation and heating facilities to keep you from the cold at night and you can have easier access to clean water to stay hydrated or pick a hotel close to clinics or with fist-aid facilities.

How to Dress Properly to Deal with Everest Base Camp Elevation

The strong wind, dry and crisp air, powerful UV light, and dramatic temperature change between day and night mark the weather pattern in Everest Base Camp. Also, learn the best time to visit EBC in Tibet and the best time for the Nepal EBC trek.

So, the essential thing is to keep warm, dry, and travel light and comfortable. A great suggestion is to dress in layers so you can put on or lose your clothes as the weather and temperature change.

Here are our recommended clothing and footwear to cope with EBC elevation:

● Base Layer: Quick-dry, breathable, and moisture-wicking shirts, long-sleeve thermal tops, and thermal leggings to wick moisture away from your skin to keep you warm and dry, which is crucial at high altitudes.

● Mid Layer: Fleece jacket, pullover, or insulated down jacket to provide insulation and keep body heat.

● Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof pants to protect you from unexpected rain, severe gales, and snow.

● Pants: Lightweight, breathable, quick-dry and insulated pants are recommended for colder days and higher altitudes.

● Footwear: Make sure you have comfy, sturdy, and waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Meanwhile, prepare multiple moisture-wicking and warm socks. Gaiter is also recommended for Nepal EBC trekking.

● Head and Hands: Wear a beanie to keep your head warm from the cold at Everest Base Camp and strong winds or take a wide-brimmed hat against UV rays. Waterproof-lined and insulated gloves are also needed. Besides, don’t forget the sunglasses to protect your eyes from the intense sun in the Everest region.

How to dress yourself for visiting Everest Base Camp.

What Else Should I Pack for Visiting Everest Base Camp

For the Nepal EBC trek, do take trekking poles to provide extra stability and protect your knees. For personal care, you can also take lip balm to prevent chapped lips and sunscreen, and personal medications for altitude sickness, cold relief, diarrhea, antibiotics and bandages, etc.

Additionally, an insulated water bottle is also essential to keep you hydrated. You also need some energy bars and beef jerky to avoid low blood sugar when trekking and bring some cash on you at high elevations for payments in Everest’s mountainous region.

Apart from EBC Elevation & Physical Challenge, You Need a Reliable Local Travel Agency

Last but not least, to visit Tibet EBC, overseas travelers are expected to pre-book a guided EBC tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us, the largest local Tibet travel agency in Tibet, who can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for free first to board the flight or train to Lhasa.

As the award-winning EBC tour operator, we can provide you with attentive and expert local Tibetan guides, safe and comfy tour vehicles, considerate drivers, oxygen supply, and tons of options for hotels from Lhasa to EBC and professional team support, ensuring you have a safe and thrilling adventure to EBC.

13 Day Lhasa, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2069 p.p

For travelers in Nepal, though you can trek individually to EBC in Sagarmatha National Park, it’s better to hire a guide to navigate your way, help you communicate with the locals, keep you informed of the local Sherpa culture, and most importantly ensure your travel safety. With offices in Lhasa and Kathmandu, we can offer Nepal EBC trekking services as well when needed.

Conclusion

So, to sum up, though Everest Base Camp has a high elevation, with full preparation, most travelers can fulfill their dream of standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak and enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience at EBC. If you have more questions about EBC tours in both Tibet and Nepal, please feel free to email us for free inquiry. Looking forward to traveling with you to Everest Base Camp. Cheers!